Ask the Dust

Story Line: In '30s Los Angeles, Arturo Bandini (Colin Farrell) checks into a hotel and gets to work in hopes of making his mark as a famous writer. He soon meets Camilla (Salma Hayek), an attractive Mexican waitress, and the two carry on a tempestuous relationship while encountering anti-Hispanic sentiments in the city.

Bottom Line: Based on the revered book by noted L.A. novelist John Fante, this long-in-the-works dream project from legendary writer-director Towne (Chinatown, Tequila Sunrise) just doesn't click, though it has a lot going for it: a fine cast (that also includes Justin Kirk, Idina Menzel and a very good Donald Sutherland), gorgeous cinematography by the great Caleb Deschanel and terrific period detail. Sadly, it seems that Towne lost his way in the three decades since he first wrote the script, as Ask the Dust is dramatically inert and oddly stilted. One reason for this might be the lack of chemistry between leads Farrell and Hayek, despite the literate, often antagonistic dialog and one surprisingly bold nude scene.